Chapter 67:

Seeing how arrogant this jerk was, Qian Fangyuan’s fiery temper flared up instantly. She glared at him and was about to curse him out when a hand suddenly pulled her back. Turning around, she saw it was Miao Zhaodi.

Qian Fangyuan looked at her in confusion, but Miao Zhaodi shook her head and said, “Let me handle this.”

After all, this was her own problem, and her roommate had already helped her enough. She couldn’t keep hiding behind others forever—otherwise, she’d start despising herself over time.

Qian Fangyuan immediately understood the meaning behind Miao Zhaodi’s words. She took a step back, giving her space, and waited for Miao Zhaodi to take charge.

The guy had initially been a little intimidated by Qian Fangyuan’s glare, but seeing Miao Zhaodi stop her, he relaxed. He coughed pretentiously, trying to cover up his earlier cowardice.

Standing tall with confidence, he waited for Miao Zhaodi to soften up and sweet-talk him—after all, she had always been so infatuated with him.

“I don’t want to say anything harsh. Out of respect for the fact that you never openly looked down on me—even if that was just your way of manipulating me—I’ll leave it at this. But Miao Zhaodi doesn’t need your fake affection. Don’t come looking for me again. There was never anything between us to begin with.”

“W-What did you say?” The guy rubbed his ears in disbelief, wondering if he’d misheard.

Miao Zhaodi had always been hopelessly devoted to him. No matter how badly he treated her, she’d still cling to him like nothing happened, refusing to leave no matter how much he pushed her away. How could she suddenly say something so final?

Miao Zhaodi didn’t respond. She just lowered her eyes and repeated, “I’ve made myself clear. Leave.”

“Leave?” The guy’s face twisted with anger as he glared at her. “Oh, so now that you’ve gotten prettier, you’re ditching your old boyfriend, huh? You’re such a shallow, disgusting person!”

Miao Zhaodi frowned. She thought she’d been clear enough. And since when were they ever boyfriend and girlfriend? Back when she confessed, hadn’t he mocked her, calling her a toad lusting after swan meat?

But this was a school building, bustling with people. She didn’t want to make a scene here. “I—”

“Zhaodi, step back!” Bai Pengpeng patted Miao Zhaodi’s shoulder and pulled her behind her. The fact that Zhaodi had stood up for herself like this was already beyond her expectations—their efforts over the past while hadn’t been in vain. But dealing with this kind of scum required intimidation, and that was something she excelled at.

Bai Pengpeng looked down at the fuming guy with disdain and said coldly, “Daring to spout nonsense here? Since when were you and Zhaodi ever in a relationship? With that face of yours—beady eyes, stubby limbs, acne scars, and that dull, dark skin—people can barely stand to look at you for long. You’re ugly inside and out. Haven’t you noticed how disgusted people are by you? Even Zhaodi’s old self was out of your league, let alone how she looks now. What gives you the right to chase her? And now that she’s rejected you, you’re harassing her and ruining her reputation. Do you think we, her roommates, are just for show?”

From the moment Bai Pengpeng stepped onto campus, her striking looks drew attention from both guys and girls. Later, when people saw the car she arrived in and her usual attire, they realized she came from a wealthy family.

Yuzhou University was one of the top universities in the country, and it had no shortage of rich kids. A few of them recognized Bai Pengpeng, and through word of mouth, the school soon learned that she was the younger sister of the chairman of the Bai Group—a true elite.

Overnight, Bai Pengpeng became famous on campus. Many were eager to pursue this rose, even knowing she had thorns. Compared to the benefits of winning her over, the risks seemed trivial.

But was Bai Pengpeng easy to chase?

Proud and aloof by nature, she had no patience for people with ulterior motives. Every single person who tried to flirt with her was met with sharp sarcasm. Those bold enough to try forcing their way were personally beaten black and blue—so badly their own mothers wouldn’t recognize them.

Soon, everyone on campus knew not to mess with Bai Pengpeng. People trembled in her presence, afraid she’d lash out if she was in a bad mood.

The guy knew all about Bai Pengpeng’s formidable strength—he’d even laughed at those who’d dared to provoke her before. Though furious at her twisting the facts, he didn’t dare argue back.

Still, he was nervous, though he didn’t show it. He was a man, after all—he couldn’t just back down so easily. But he was also worried Bai Pengpeng might actually beat him up, so he scrambled for a way to save face.

Bai Pengpeng didn’t care what he was thinking. She just delivered her ultimatum: “From now on, stay out of our way. If I see you near us again, you’ll regret it. And don’t even think about badmouthing Zhaodi to anyone—unless you want to learn what real fear feels like.”

With that, she turned to the others. “Let’s go!”

In that moment, she was like a queen—commanding and utterly confident.

Miao Zhaodi gazed at Bai Pengpeng’s back with admiration. She was so cool! She wanted to be just like her.

Only after Bai Pengpeng and the others had walked far away did the guy finally exhale in relief. The memory of what just happened still sent chills down his spine.

He couldn’t believe he’d been let off so easily. It was terrifying—his back was drenched in sweat. From now on, he’d steer clear of them!

After resolving Miao Zhaodi’s issue, Qin Chaoyu enjoyed a peaceful stretch of campus life. The people around her gradually accepted Miao Zhaodi’s dramatic transformation, and aside from asking about her skincare routine, no one found it shocking anymore.

One day, as Qin Chaoyu left the library, a tall man in a suit stopped her.

The man’s expression was stern, his aura sharp and unapproachable—unlike an ordinary person. Qin Chaoyu couldn’t quite describe it, but she sensed he’d seen bloodshed.

This surprised her. In modern society, people didn’t just “see blood” easily. She wondered what someone like him wanted with her.

After questioning, the man told her someone wanted to see her and asked her to come with him.

Qin Chaoyu almost laughed. Why should she go? What if he had ill intentions? Did she look that naive and gullible?

She refused outright and walked away without looking back.

The man could only watch as she left.

His orders were to “invite” her, so force wasn’t an option.

Qin Chaoyu quickly forgot about the incident, throwing herself back into her medical research with passion.

But a few days later, the Xiong family came looking for her again.

This time, it was Xiong Bochang, who earnestly invited her to a meeting.

Qin Chaoyu was in the middle of studying a particularly fascinating medical formula related to paralysis—a crucial breakthrough—when Xiong Bochang showed up.

Normally, Qin Chaoyu had a gentle temperament, and everyone who knew her described her as kind. But that didn’t apply when she was deep in medical research. No matter who interrupted her at such a critical moment, she’d turn cold and unyielding. She wouldn’t lash out, but asking for her help afterward was out of the question.

Unfortunately for Xiong Bochang, he’d triggered her bad side. Naturally, he was met with a frosty rejection.

It was a minor incident, and Qin Chaoyu forgot about it the next day. But then, a dignified noblewoman sought her out.

Sitting in a private booth, Qin Chaoyu studied the elegant woman across from her. “The people who came looking for me before—they were sent by you, weren’t they?”

Qin Chaoyu wasn’t stupid. In fact, she was quite sharp. The fact that people kept approaching her clearly meant someone was behind it.

Given how persistent they were—even after two refusals—without getting angry, it had to be about medical treatment.

The woman sipped her tea gracefully before smiling warmly. “Ah, you’re a clever girl. Yes, I was the one looking for you. It’s a shame you didn’t come before—I had to make two trips for nothing.”

Her tone was calm, showing no sign of annoyance.

Qin Chaoyu: “It was just bad timing. May I ask what you need from me?”

The woman—Gu Qiuyan—hadn’t expected Qin Chaoyu to be so direct. Seeing no point in beating around the bush, she said, “I came to ask you to treat someone.”

“An illness? What kind?” Qin Chaoyu didn’t ask how Gu Qiuyan knew about her. It didn’t matter—likely through the patients she’d already cured. Fame had its perks; patients came to her without her having to seek them out.

“Paralysis. My son recently suffered a spinal injury and lost feeling in his lower body.”

Gu Qiuyan had reviewed Qin Chaoyu’s records and couldn’t sit still. She flew to Yuzhou immediately to find her.

Given her sensitive status, she couldn’t appear openly. So the first time, she sent her bodyguard—only to be refused. Next, she tried arranging a meeting through an acquaintance, but that was also rejected.

Left with no choice, Gu Qiuyan had to come in person.

“Given your status, you must have access to top-tier doctors—ones with far more experience than a novice like me. If his injury is recent, why come to me?”

Gu Qiuyan sighed, her dignified demeanor crumbling for a moment. “Ah, young lady, you don’t understand. We’ve consulted many renowned doctors, but without exception, they all said his chances of recovery are slim. Does that mean my son is doomed to a wheelchair for life? As a mother, how could I accept that? Then we heard you’d cured someone who’d been paralyzed for years, so we wanted to ask for your help.”

Due to her past life experiences, Qin Chaoyu had a soft spot for pleas rooted in maternal love. She nodded. “Alright, I’ll take a look. But I must be clear—I can’t guarantee I can cure your son. Also, I’m still in school, so it’d be best if he’s in Yuzhou.”

“Ah…” Gu Qiuyan hesitated. This was a problem. Her son was in the capital, thousands of miles from Yuzhou. Even if they could transfer him, there was no telling if his condition could withstand the journey.

After some thought, she decided to reason with the girl. Surely she’d understand. “My son is in the capital. His injury is recent, and moving him would be risky. It’s also quite far, so…”

Qin Chaoyu shrugged helplessly. “It’s not that I don’t want to help, but I have classes. Paralysis isn’t something that can be cured overnight. If he’s not in Yuzhou, there’s really nothing I can do.”

“…Very well. I’ll discuss it with my family.”

After that, Gu Qiuyan changed the subject, insisting Qin Chaoyu try the restaurant’s dishes—she’d chosen this place carefully for its excellent food.

As they left the booth, Qin Chaoyu spotted someone she hadn’t seen in a long time.

Bai Jixi?

It really had been a while.

Bai Jixi was surrounded by a crowd—some Eastern, some Western—all in suits and serious expressions. He was deep in conversation with a white-haired, blue-eyed foreign man.

The old man was tall, with sharp features that radiated shrewdness. Despite his age, his posture was straight, his demeanor distinguished. At his stage, charm came from presence, not looks.

But Bai Jixi outshone him effortlessly. Even in a crowd, he stood out like a crane among chickens. Next to the old man, his allure was even more pronounced—after all, no matter how elegant the old man was, he was still just that: old.

This wasn’t the right moment for greetings, so Qin Chaoyu didn’t approach.

“Come, young lady. Your school is quite far—let me give you a ride.” Gu Qiuyan emerged from the booth, oblivious to the crowd, and warmly offered Qin Chaoyu a lift.

Qin Chaoyu agreed without hesitation. Perfect—she wouldn’t have to hail a cab.

“Mrs. Han?” A voice with an odd, foreign accent called out as they passed Bai Jixi’s group.

Gu Qiuyan turned, puzzled.

Recognizing the speaker—Mr. Bruce, the man Bai Jixi had been talking to—she smiled politely. “Ah, Mr. Bruce! I didn’t know you were in China. I hope you’re enjoying your stay!”

Bruce laughed heartily. “Mrs. Han, I certainly am! The food here is simply marvelous!”

He was pleased she remembered him—they’d only met once.

Gu Qiuyan nodded politely, then glanced at Qin Chaoyu apologetically. “Mr. Bruce, I’m afraid I have matters to attend to. I must take my leave.”

“Of course, of course! Don’t let me keep you.” Bruce nodded earnestly. If not for the entourage behind him, he’d have seemed like any other foreign elder.

Bai Jixi had also noticed Qin Chaoyu, but like her, he didn’t greet her.

This wasn’t the time.

Adonis Bruce, founder of KMD, was notoriously arrogant. Yet here he was, acting deferential to this woman. That spoke volumes about her status.

Han?

The surname told Bai Jixi all he needed to know.